Yesterday, Hackzine reported on the The Open GPS Tracker, “a small device which plugs into a $20 prepaid mobile phone to make a GPS tracker. The Tracker responds to text message commands, detects motion, and sends you its exact position, ready for Google Maps or your mapping software.” The project homepage lists a very impressive feature list including the following:

SiRFstar III receiver gets a fix inside most buildings.

Sends latitude, longitude, altitude, speed, course, date, and time.

Sends to any SMS-capable mobile phone, or any email address.

Battery life up to 14 days, limited by mobile phone. Longer life possible with external batteries

Automatic tracking mode sends location when the tracker starts moving,
when it stops moving, and at programmable intervals while moving.

Alerts when user-set speed limit is exceeded.

Retains tracking messages if out of coverage, and sends when back in coverage.

Retains and reports last good fix if it loses GPS coverage.

Remote reporting of mobile phone battery and signal status.

Extended runtime mode switches phone on and off to save battery life.

There are a number of interesting applications including keeping track of your children’s driving habits or, as Hackzine notes, creating a “‘lo-jack’ system that would let you find your car if it was stolen, only with this your car’s location is only being reported to you instead of a monitoring station, actually increasing your privacy.” However, there are a number of more nefarious uses this device could have. As has been widely reported, cellular phones have been used for the remote detonation of IEDs in Iraq and elsewhere. This device could be used in conjunction with a vehicle-borne IED in which the driver is not privy to the attack. Also, it could also be used as a covert listening device, or “bug,” with the appropriate modifications. The possibilities are endless.

By no means does this discredit the Open GPS Tracker project. These type of “hacks”–creative repurposing of technology–are only as good or evil as their users, and projects such as this one should be encouraged. However, it is important to note that as consumer electronics become more sophisticated their capability to be weaponized grows.

“If by chance you were to ask me which ornaments I would desire above all others in my house, I would reply, without much pause for reflection, arms and books.”
—Fra Sabba da Castiglione, Knight of St. John